Your dryer is a fire risk if you skip these cleaning steps, experts say

Most people know to clear the lint trap. Far fewer know that the trap is only one of several parts of a dryer that need regular cleaning — and that neglecting the others is, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, behind roughly one-third of the thousands of home structure fires that clothing dryers cause every year.

Dust, lint, and even stray socks can accumulate inside the drum, the vent duct, and the exhaust system, where they can ignite. Beyond the fire risk, a dirty dryer runs less efficiently: clothes come out damp, drying times stretch longer, and energy bills climb. Reader's Digest notes that dryer buildup can be one reason a dryer stops drying properly.

Routine maintenance is important for all your appliances, and the dryer is no different.— Ken Rudolph, Senior Director of Product Management for Clothes Care, GE Appliances

Reader's Digest spoke with Rudolph and Haven Polich, a product manager at Asko Appliances with eight years of experience in the luxury appliance market, to map out exactly what needs cleaning, how to do it, and how often.

The lint trap is the most frequent task. Rudolph says to remove it after every single load, peel the lint off by hand, and replace it. That's all that's needed for routine upkeep. But twice a year — more often if you use dryer sheets, which leave a residue film on the screen — the trap needs a deeper clean: remove it, use a lint roller or masking tape to lift stuck-on lint from both sides, scrub with a toothbrush or soft nylon brush in warm soapy water, rinse, and let it air-dry completely before putting it back. Replacing a damp lint trap can encourage mold growth.

While the trap is out, vacuum the slot it sits in. Rudolph recommends a vacuum with a hose attachment, an extendable lint brush, or a handheld vacuum to reach deep into the crevice. NBC News also recommends dedicated dryer vent attachment kits — sets that include a bendable brush and hose adapter — for getting into tight spaces a standard vacuum nozzle can't reach.

The interior drum also needs attention from time to time. According to Polich, fabric softener and dryer sheets can build up a film inside the drum. For an electric dryer, she recommends water and dish soap applied with a microfiber cloth. For a gas dryer, use a liquid, non-flammable household cleaner. A one-to-one solution of white vinegar and water works as a natural alternative for either type. After wiping down the drum, rinse it thoroughly with a wet cloth, then tumble a load of clean towels to finish the job. Leave the door open afterward for air circulation.

The most involved — and most overlooked — task is cleaning the vent duct: the silver, hose-like aluminum structure that runs from the back of the dryer to the exterior of the house. This is where serious lint accumulation happens, and where the fire risk is greatest.

Clean the dryer vent itself every two to three years. We're talking deep hose clean-out, either sucking lint out or pushing it through the vent.— Ryan Knoll, Founder, TidyCasa

Cleaning the full vent system is often recommended at least annually or more frequently with heavy use. The process involves unplugging the dryer (and shutting off the gas supply if it's a gas model), disconnecting the duct hose from the wall, and using a flexible dryer vent brush kit — often with a drill attachment — to loosen lint from inside the duct, followed by a vacuum to remove it. The exterior vent cap also needs to be cleared.

Rudolph recommends hiring a professional for the vent cleaning, citing ease and peace of mind — but says a handy DIYer can do it safely. Professionals may be especially helpful for complex setups.

Maintaining a clean dryer helps ensure proper performance.— Ken Rudolph, Senior Director of Product Management for Clothes Care, GE Appliances

The practical upside beyond safety: a clean, well-maintained dryer costs less to run, is gentler on clothes, and is far less likely to need an expensive repair or early replacement. As NBC News notes, a few dollars for supplies and an hour of time now can spare you from paying a repairperson — or replacing the appliance altogether.

Why it matters — Dryer lint is highly flammable and its buildup is behind roughly one-third of dryer-related home fires each year — a risk that routine cleaning, costing little more than time, can significantly reduce.

Sources differ on How often to deep-clean the dryer vent duct: Every two to three years (nbcnews.com (Ryan Knoll, TidyCasa)) vs At least once a year, or every 6 months with heavy use (Multi-source summary citing goodhousekeeping.com and marthastewart.com)

Reported by goodhousekeeping.com, marthastewart.com, angi.com, nbcnews.com, rd.com, thespruce.com